Third District Makes America Great

During Independence Day weekend, the blessings of freedom and the memories of the American patriots who laid the foundation for our republic with the Declaration of Independence give us cause to celebrate! The United States has abundant natural resources, the world’s leading economy, and limitless opportunity, but our people are our greatest gift. 

Tireless farmers and ranchers who put food on our tables, brave law enforcement officers who stand watch over our communities, and so many others go to work each day with selfless devotion. They carry on the legacy of the individuals who have risked their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to secure liberty in our land and a better life for their loved ones.

During my travels across Nebraska in recent weeks, it has been a privilege to connect with small business owners, healthcare providers, community members, and agriculture and energy producers throughout the Third District.

It was great to connect with local biofuels producers and retailers in Gothenburg. Nebraska’s biofuels industry growth is strong, and I am committed to maximizing the accessibility of renewable fuel blends like E15 and E85.

I also recently joined a community celebration along with Senator Ricketts for the December 2024 passage of my bill with Senator Fischer to protect Hitchcock and Frontier County property owners and businesses from federal overreach. Enacting the Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyances Act was a full team effort involving the entire NE delegation and community leaders. I am grateful we were able to support local control, the community members, and the rural economy through our legislation.

I visited rural health facilities in Box Butte, Thayer, Chase, and Scotts Bluff Counties. Promoting access to health care in rural communities is one of my highest priorities in Congress. I have championed legislation to modernize and simplify guidelines for providers and leverage innovations such as telehealth to supply the care patients in the Third District need.

At Landmark Snacks in Beatrice, the Tjaden Ranch in Grant, The Dugout in Scottsbluff, and the Goes Ranch in Wymore, I spoke with the hardworking teams who keep these family-owned businesses running. Local investment is so valuable for our communities and generating opportunity.

I met with Nebraskans at summer festivals including NEBRASKAland Days in North Platte and Swedish Days in Holdrege. Events like these occurring across the Third District have a special ability to unite communities. The many volunteers and organizations who contribute so much to these annual celebrations deserve our gratitude.

One of the brightest examples of the spirit of togetherness Nebraskans display is the historic generosity of the North Platte Canteen which served nearly seven million American troops during World War II. I have sponsored legislation with Senator Fischer to award the Congressional Gold Medal to volunteers which came from hundreds of miles away in communities surrounding North Platte to contribute to the Canteen.

The July 4th holiday shines a bright light on what brings us together as Americans, and I am looking forward to spending the weekend with my family and friends. As you take time to count your blessings and celebrate, God bless you, and God bless America.